NORTHEASTERN EXPLORER

Share the pioneering spirit of the early settlers as you follow Native American trade routes and discover the New World for yourself. Explore the cosmopolitan and historic cities of Northeastern USA and Canada, as well as small country towns such as the Finger Lakes. Experience a real blend of cultures, from the colonial history of New England to French influences in Canada. You'll also enjoy a whole host of natural wonders along the way, from hiking on picturesque trails around Stowe, to an included wine tasting amongst the stunning scenery of the Finger Lakes, and an included catamaran cruise at Niagara Falls.

All departures of this tour are guaranteed, so once you've booked you can be sure you're going! This guarantee gives you the confidence to book all of your travel arrangements and simply look forward to your holiday.

Free Wi-Fi available in your vehicle (USA only). Maximum of five users at one time.

Grand American Adventures vehicles

You'll travel in air-conditioned private vehicles, which offer great flexibility and guarantee to get you further off the beaten path. For our upgraded fleet of vehicles in the USA ensure an enjoyable travelling experience and are fully equipped with:

Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

Download Trip Dossier

Download the Northeastern Explorer trip dossier for tour-specific details including full itinerary, pre-departure information, packing tips and more about our style of travel.

Our optional activities offer the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don't. Below are the main optional activities for this trip which can be arranged once you are on tour via your tour leader and paid for locally. Please note that not all optional activities may available on every tour and prices are subject to change.

Day
1:
New York City

Welcome to the 'Big Apple', the city that never sleeps on the bustling island of Manhattan in New York State. This city needs no introduction and there's plenty to keep you entertained ahead of your welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in your hotel. Wander around on foot, explore Manhattan and Brooklyn on a cruise, or simply grab yourself a central Manhattan view for a spot of people watching to acquaint yourself with this lively city.Accommodation: Hotel included I Meals: Paid locally

Day
2/3:
Philadelphia - Washington DC

Departing New York City, your first stop is Philadelphia, or 'Philly' as the locals call it. Visit the Liberty Bell, climb the famous 'Rocky Steps' and enjoy some free time to peruse the colourful Reading Terminal Market. Why not cast your eyes on Independence Hall where brave men gathered at the Pennsylvania State House and defied the King of England; an event which helped shape the US Constitution? Next you'll arrive in the nation's capital, Washington DC. Take in the city at your own pace; many of the famous icons such as the White House, Capitol Hill and Jefferson Memorial are easily reached on foot, or you might like to hire a bike for a great way to take in the city and reach some of the other famous monuments. When it comes to DC's museums, 'Land of the Free' and the sensational Smithsonian Museums are well worth a stop.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day
4:
Finger Lakes

Leaving DC behind you head north through Pennsylvania, making your way towards the beloved Finger Lakes, a beautiful forested region filled with lakes and inland waterways - some of the deepest in USA. The area is also New York State's largest wine producing region with over 100 vineyards located around the lakes. A wine tasting experience at one of the vineyards is included, and there's also a chance to take a dip in the cool waters of one of the lakes.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day
5:
Niagara Falls - Toronto

You reach the Canadian border, stopping to feel the thunder and bask in the spray of one of North America's best known natural attractions, Niagara Falls. These famous falls are located on the Niagara River, which drains from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, forming the border between USA and Canada. There are two major falls - the American Falls and the iconic Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls. The Horseshoe Falls has a drop of 53 metres (173 ft.) and the American Falls has a drop of between 21-30 metres (70-100ft.). You can enjoy an included cruise on the 'Canadian Hornblower', which takes you right up to the base of the falls. Afterwards, continue along the shores of Lake Ontario to Canada's largest city, Toronto.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day
6:
Toronto

Enjoy a free day exploring the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, which has a city population of 2.5 million and a metropolitan population of over 5 million, making it one of the largest cities in North America. Those with a head for heights and a passion for panoramic views can head up to the observation deck at the top of the CN Tower. When completed in 1976 it was the world's tallest tower with a height of 553 metres (1815 ft.) - a status it held for 34 years. For a taste of this truly multicultural city, we recommend a lunch of dim sum in Chinatown and dinner in Greektown, or taste your way through Kensington Market. Take the opportunity to visit the key sights in between - such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Hockey Hall of Fame, Eaton's shopping complex or Toronto Zoo. There is so much to do here, you won't know where to start!Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day
7/8:
Montreal

Travel from Ontario to the French-speaking province of Quebec and Canada's cultural capital, Montréal. Well known for its music, museums and avant-garde artistic flair, Montreal is one classy city and in the summer you can often enjoy a huge selection of lively festivals. Montreal was also the site of the 1976 Olympic Games and it's possible to visit the stadium, which is the largest in Canada. Soak up the atmosphere of the narrow lanes, quirky cafés and world-class shopping, or scream across the Lachine Rapids on an extreme jet boat tour! Why not try a classic local meal of poutine, cheesy curds on top of thin French fries, topped with thick Canadian gravy? You'll quickly realise why this is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. One of the highlights in the city is an optional dinner in the dark at O'Noir restaurant, where you eat in the pitch black for a unique culinary experience.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day
9:
Quebec City

Continue your journey of historic discovery by spending a day exploring the streets of North America's only surviving walled city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City. Founded in 1608 on the banks of the St Lawrence River, it's one of the oldest cities in North America and as a major French-speaking cultural centre, arguably one of its most European. Strolling around the Old Town feels like stepping back in time and has many important and iconic places to see including Place Royale, Plains of Abraham, Place d'Armes, the Chateau Frontenac Hotel and the old city walls. Along the way you can check out some of the local delicacies on sale. Just 8 miles (12km) from Québec City are the mighty Montmorency Falls, which are higher than Niagara Falls and well worth a visit. To see another side of Quebec, why not try a ghost walking tour where storytellers lead you through the streets of the Old Town by lantern, recounting the hangings and hauntings of days gone by?Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day
10:
Stowe

Perhaps better known as a fantastic winter destination, in summer visitors can head out hiking or mountain biking on the surrounding trails which the area is so famous for. You can also wander the stores for handicrafts and sample the local cuisine. With a half day in Stowe, you'll certainly have enough to fill your time.Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day
11/12:
Boston

In Boston, retrace the steps of the nation's forefathers with an included tour of the Freedom Trail or stroll the shops and stalls of Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Harvard University is nearby and as the oldest institution of higher learning in America, has plenty for history buffs to enjoy. After all this exploring why not hit the waterfront for a traditional seafood dinner?Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day
13:
Boston - New York City

Saying goodbye to Beantown, you make your way back towards `the city that never sleeps' for the end of the tour.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.

There are no forced supplements for single travellers.
Accommodation is based on twin-share, so if you're travelling on your own, you'll share with a fellow passenger of the same sex. However, if you would prefer your own space our Solo Sleeper Option can be requested from
per person. This will guarantee you your own room for every night of the tour. The number of single rooms we can offer is limited, so it's best to book early. Simply select the "Solo Sleepers" check box on the booking form or request over the phone.

Important Notes

We highly recommend you book this trip at least 60 days prior to departure. Reservations received within 30 days will be on request and subject to availability of en-route accommodation

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer tailor-made private departures for any of our published tours enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Tailored itineraries and departure dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions).

At Grand American Adventures we believe that your safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of your holiday.

We recommend you take out insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed. You MUST be covered by insurance that includes adequate coverage for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation. We can offer you a comprehensive travel insurance policy which is completely tailored for your trip and is specially designed to include all the activities listed.

If you are spending extra time in our gateway cities, you can now plan in advance by pre-booking unique city sightseeing day tours in addition to your trip.

NEW YORK

All city day tours are operated by local experts who are dedicated to take you behind the scenes so you know it like a local! When booking your trip, simply select your chosen city tours from the Tour Extras section on the online booking form.